1.Troy Polamalu: I still remember the day he was drafted. A first round pick for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2003. The rest is history. Troy was a staple of those stingy Pittsburgh defenses for years. He was that one guy that you needed to know where he was at all times. Troy was a true jack in the box type of player. He played deep, in the box and all over the field. He was a true ball hawk that always found a way to the ball . He created many problems for offenses. Troy retired with eight pro bowl appearances, two Super Bowl rings and one Defensive MVP award. What a career for one of the best safeties I’ve seen play this game.
2. Edgerrin James: From Gold Teeth to Gold Jacket! On offenses in Indianapolis that consisted of Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne, Edge was often the “forgotten piece”. When he had that ball in his hands, something big always happened. He was the dual threat running back that could catch the ball just as effectively as he ran it. Edge is the Colts all-time leading rusher, touchdowns and attempts. On the all-time list, he’s ranked 13th in rushing. He’s also a member of the 10,000 rushing yards club. His success also dates to his college days with the Miami Hurricanes. He’ll join his former coach, quarterback and wide receiver in Canton.
3. Isaac Bruce: I’m beyond thrilled that he’s finally getting his flowers. He was just as important of a piece to that lethal Rams offense that consisted of other Hall of Famers in Kurt Warner and Marshall Faulk. When the Rams needed that big catch over the middle or down the field, this was the guy Kurt would target. I’ve seen my share of wide receivers. Isaac Bruce is one of the smoothest route runners I’ve had the pleasure of watching. I was always in awe watching how he’d fake defenders, catch the ball and get up the field. He’s the most prolific receiver in Rams history. This is a well-deserved honor.
4. Steve Atwater: He patiently waited and he’s now a member of the Hall of Fame! I have to say, it’s been a nice run for former Broncos and the Hall the last few years. Brian Dawkins in 2018, Champ Bailey and Pat Bowlen in 19, Steve Atwater in 2020 and Peyton Manning and John Lynch in 2021. Steve was a true tone setter. The Broncos often had him close to the line of scrimmage. In his rookie season, he had an immediate impact and helped improve the Broncos run defense significantly. Steve is the greatest safety in Broncos history.
5. Steve Hutchinson: I often called him the anchor of that offensive line for the Seattle Seahawks all those years ago. When watching him play, I always saw a guy who was more than willing to break the edge so his running backs could travel through lanes. From 2003-05, he had the pleasure of blocking for Shaun Alexander. In 05, Steve blocked for Shaun during his MVP season in which he ran for 1,880 yards and was named MVP. Steve also played for the Minnesota Vikings and signed what was then the largest contract extension ever for an offensive lineman. He was a durable football player when he played. At one time, he started 157 consecutive games.
Also, here’s a huge congratulations to the Centennial Class of 2020! Bill Cowher, Jimmy Johnson, Jimbo Covert, Harold Carmichael, Alex Karras, Donnie Shell, Duke Slater, Steve Sabol, Bobby Dillon, Cliff Harris, Winston Hill, Mac Speedie & Ed Sprinkle.
